--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Those who have once got an ascendancy…" description: "\"Those who have once got an ascendancy, and possessed themselves of all the resources of the nation, their revenues and offices, have immense means for ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd0/thomas-jefferson-43_advantage_those-who-have-once-got-an-ascendancy-an_3094968.jpg" --- # Those who have once got an ascendancy, and possessed… ![“Those who have once got an ascendancy, and possessed themselves of all the resources of the nation, their revenues and offices, have immense means for retaining their advantage.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd0/thomas-jefferson-43_advantage_those-who-have-once-got-an-ascendancy-an_3094968.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd0/thomas-jefferson-43_advantage_those-who-have-once-got-an-ascendancy-an_3094968.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd0/thomas-jefferson-43_advantage_those-who-have-once-got-an-ascendancy-an_3094968.jpg) > “Those who have once got an ascendancy, and possessed themselves of all the resources of the nation, their revenues and offices, have immense means for retaining their advantage.” [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Power consolidates when elites control resources, revenue, and offices, making it hard for others to challenge them. **In simple terms:** Control of wealth and positions sustains dominance. Key Takeaway Beware concentration of power. Themes politics economics inequality Mood critical analytical Type political historical When to use this quote - government policy - corporate governance - wealth distribution - public advocacy Key Concepts elite dominance resource control institutional power Questions to Reflect On - How does resource control affect democracy? - What mechanisms can limit elite dominance? 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